Survival Buzz: Enter to Win a Free LifeStraw Go in Buzz Break #2

Do you remember me telling you about the LifeStraw Go last month? The LifeStraw Go is a “LifeStraw in a bottle”. What that means is no bending down to water level to suck up your drinking water. Don’t get me wrong. The original LifeStraw is a fantastic product and has a prominent place in my preps.

Still, with the LifeStraw Go, you simply fill the bottle and take a drink. Everything is nice and tidy in one simple water filtering package. In addition, refill filters are available. How cool is that?

This week I am keeping my promise of offering up a total of five LifeStraw Go water filter bottles, one a month for five months. This is month number two and it corresponds to my monthly “Buzz Break”.

What is a Buzz Break?It is one Friday a month where I am not sitting at the computer writing and instead, am outside playing or inside doing crafts, making salves, or coloring in my adult coloring books.

Let me give credit where credit is due.

Brent Wingfield and his company, www.BasicShield.com, are providing the free LifeStraw Go water bottle each month and is doing so for no other reason other than being a fan of Backdoor Survival.

Want to take a shot at winning? Sign into the Rafflecopter below in another easy peasy giveaway.

Backdoor Survival Mail Bag & Reader Tips

While cleaning out my tips folder I found this one for last year. Orrin writes:

Out here in tornado country one of the prep’s people forget is to have digging tools; full size shovels, pick, fire ax, sledge hammer, heavy duty pry bar and saws in their basements.

Sure, you might be safe in the basement, but during post-disaster rescue ops we have found individuals, families and even multiple families trapped by rubble and no way to cut through or escape without outside help.

To add my two cents to this tip, please ensure that your digging tools are stored with you at your safe place, be it a basement, cellar or someplace else. They are not going to help you one iota if you are digging out from down below and your tools and implements are in the garage.

Free Stuff: The 340-Page Tokyo Disaster Preparedness Guide

A while back, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government compiled a free guide that addresses a plethora of preparedness and survival topics. Over 340 pages long, the guide is applicable around the world, not just in Tokyo.

The best part? There is an English version and it is 100% free. Because of it’s length, you must download in sections but that is easy enough to do. Here is a link to the Tokyo Disaster Preparedness Guide.

My favorite section is this one, Survival Tips, where I learned how to convert a AA battery to a C battery, and a C battery to a D. This section includes a lot of first aid tips and instructions for making a portable toilet, DIY diapers and sanitary napkins and a lot more. It is all done is graphical format, and, in my opinion, is a real find.

The Giveaway

As promised, I am keeping things brief so I an enjoy my day off. That said, I did not forget to include the giveaway to win a LifeStraw Go from Basic Shield. While you are at it, check out their free selection of downloadable gun manuals. This is another one of the great finds!

The deadline is 6:00 PM Pacific next Tuesday with the winner notified by email and announced on the Rafflecopter in the article. Please note that the winner must claim their prize within 48 hours or an alternate will be selected.

Note: Due to Customs requirements, this giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.

The Final Word

What’s coming up? At the end of the month I head home to Washington state so right now I am inventorying my stuff. What stays and what goes? I need to figure that out.

In addition, I am trying to work out an arrangement for making some sample jars of Miracle Healing Salve available. Spark Naturals is helping me with this and I am grateful for their support. I will be crafting the samples myself and sending them out for free although I will ask you to pay shipping.

Speaking of Spark Naturals, for the month of April my discount is 15% (up from 10%), making their essential oils and even better value than ever. (Use code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout.)

Finally, what am I currently reading (actually listening to)? I am listening to the audiobook version of One Year After, William Forstchen’s sequel to One Second After. For many, this book was the game changer that convinced them of the need to be prepared.

That’s a wrap for today. Have a lovely week, everyone. Be sure to enter the giveaway!

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: The LifeStraw contains no chemicals, no batteries and no moving parts to wear out. It features a a high flow rate and weighs only 2 oz. It works quickly, taking roughly 3-5 seconds of sucking to start the flow of water through the filter.It’s ultra-light and inexpensive but effective. There is also the LifeStraw Family that will purify up to 12 liters per hour.

One Second After: For many, the novel “One Second After” was a game changer that convinced them of the need to be prepared. It is a story in which one man struggles to save his family and his small North Carolina town after America loses a war based upon an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) used as a weapon. It could happen. If you have not read this book, you really should.

Beeswax Organic Pastilles, Yellow, 100% Pure 16 Oz: I ordered the white pastilles but have since learned that the natural yellow pastilles are better. That said, the difference may not be discernable – just be sure that what you purchase is cosmetic grade.

Glass Droppers, Pack of 6: I bought a package of these and loved them. When I went to re-order, I accidentally ordered plastic instead glass droppers. Learn from my mistake. The price is the same go get the glass ones.

Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditionsis my preferred coconut oil. I love it so much I purchased a 5 gallon tub. Really, I did! I find it very silky to work with and love the taste when used in cooking. Note that no refrigeration is required and although it solid at room temperature, it melts at 76 degrees. The Nutiva brand from Amazon or Costco works well too.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: I first became interested in aromatherapy and essential oils in the early 90s which was before they really became mainstream. I read every book I could get my hands on and dabbled at creating synergy’s (a combination of two or more oils that create a chemical compound that is greater than the some of its individual components). My bible then, and even now, is this book.

For over 25 years Emergency Essentials has been providing the highest quality preparedness products at great prices. Plus, each month they feature sales that quite honestly are fantastic. This month give the gift preparedness.

Need something from Amazon (and who doesn’t)?

I earn a small commission from purchases made when you begin your Amazon shopping experience here. You still get great Amazon service and the price is the same, no matter what.

Amazon has a feature called Shop Amazon - Most Wished For Items. This is an easy tool for finding products that people are "wishing” for and in this way you know what the top products are. All you need to do is select the category from the left hand side of the screen.

Are You Interested in Essential Oils?

The Spark Naturals Oil of the Month Clubis the best value out there – all oils are 15ml bottles – shipped out to you once a month (on the same date you ordered the product). The price is $15.99 a month and includes shipping and tax. This is a great way to collect oils at a discounted price.

Have you found some folks with various critical skills that are similarly focused and willing to be there with mutual support? Folks with critical skills, for example, Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, maybe a skilled farmer.

When you are pressure canning, they tell you to let steam vent for 10 minutes before putting on the jiggler. Why is that? The steam will escape when the jiggler is in place. Steam comes out either way.
Gaye. Thanks for the link to get gun manuals. I downloaded many of them.

This would be great to keep in our car. Especially when we are traveling. There’s times where there’s not a store for miles and we run out of drinks in the cooler. You never know about the water fountains at the rest stops.

I am interested in natural stimulants… I live in S.E.AZ & have heard of “Mormon Tea” but have never tried to make any… Do you know of any other plants in my area that we can grab on the go for a little boost if we were to “Bug-Out”… …M… (EVIL ZJ)

First of all, thank you Mr. Brent Wingfield for suppling this monthly prize—-guess what——I’m a fan of Backdoor Survival as well!
Here is my question:
I know it is safe, although not recommended, to eat some canned foods after their expiration date. What about things that contain animal products? Is it safe?? Things like spam( is that even an animal product?? LOL ), or canned
Condensed milk or dehydrated
Eggs?
Jo

I have questions about how you use & store your coconut oil since you buy the larger tubs from Tropical Traditions. So here goes. How much do you keep out for daily use and what do you put it in? Do you leave the remaining oil in the tub or do you repackage it? If so how, please. How can you tell if the stored coconut oil has gone bad after it’s been opened (or does it)? I am single so it will take me some time to go through it, but I want to take advantage of the economy of the larger packaging.

And another topic. Since you have two locations with preps, are there any special things you do to make sure stuff in one place won’t go bad while you’re in the other and how do you keep them secure?

Barbara. I had purchased a 1 1/2 quart jar of coconut oil from Sams club. Then Gaye put me onto Tropical Traditions. I took her advice and purchased a 5 gallon tub. I just refill my small jar out of the 5 gallon container and keep the big bucket in the basement. I am on my second 5 gallon bucket and have never had any to go rancid. I scoop out a big gob of oil to put in my morning smoothie. It is very good for you.
If you purchase from Tropical Tradition, get on their mailing list. One time they will have free shipping, another time it will be half price, but keep tract of these offers until you get free shipping (shipping is very costly) with a discounted price on the oil.

Definitely on my wish list. One for each car and at least one at home for my special needs grandsons who are a letter to use a straw and come to think of it one for my disabled brother in law. There is a topic, Gaye, prepping for special needs. My grandsons are severely autistic, non verbal and still in diapers.

I have a relative I’m prepping for and I’m having a difficult time finding survival food for diabetic people. Is there a brand of long term freeze dried food, that’s better for people who are diabetic?

I try to post one EO article a month here on the website. I was planning to set up a new site just for essential oils but to be honest, have not had the time. I was also going to start a series to send out via email but have only sent out a few emails in that regard.

Yes, I am full excuses but to be honest, I am over committed and very tired. I have learned so much about EOs these past few years and I do wish to share more. So perhaps soon . . .

I’m new to prepping so please be gentle. 🙂 I really enjoy reading and learning about prepping. I like saving money! I like being prepared in life period. I love history. However, have you ever felt like your mind is on prepping too much? Like maybe it’s possible to miss the now?

By the way, I don’t plan on stopping my preps. I think it is very wise. I really value all the hard work that goes into this blog too. My question about possibly missing out on the here and now was based on self reflection. Sometimes I find myself looking to the future and the present flies by so quickly. I hope no one considered it a criticism.

You live in Washington but I’ve noticed references to your place in Arizona, where I live. Have you become a Snowbird? Washington has water, rain, and a good garden growing season, at least I’ve always thought it did. I would love to have a productive garden but I can’t seem to grow much in AZ. Do you have any tips on gardening in Arizona – Phoenix area.

When it comes to food storage, it’s best to store what you use and use what you store. But I was just wondering, if you have any special food storage recipes to make the best use of food storage that you don’t normally use on a regular basis?

Much has been written about bug out bags, but in cases where it’s not practical to carry a complete bag daily, like in daily work (with patients and clients), what would be some critical items to have. I’m thinking small enough to fit in my purse or better in a waist belt. I used to carry a ridiculous amount of things in my lab coat, just in case!

Use your head. Unless the sun goes super nova you will have time to get to your supplies. You will have time to get home and get your gear if you keep up to date with Infowars. They are ahead of the game and never listen to the traitors on the regular news channel.

I have supplied much information on my profile page. If you will go towards the bottom, listed under interests, you will find a great deal of information that should help you. Don’t pay any attention to the about me on top as that is a private war between myself and another member. https://veehd.com/profile/1187792

Personally I have been backpacking since I was discharged from the military in 1969. I use my backpack, if I absolutely have to, as a bug out bag. The one thing that you should always remember is not to tell people what you have as they will storm your home in time of emergencies mostly because they were to stupid to prepare in advance and now want your stuff. What ever you do, do not fall for the preassembled bug out bad for hundreds of dollars. They are just a con job.

and turned it into a medical bag. I went to Walmart and went to the pharmacy area and just looked at everything I might need in an emergency and made careful selections about different antiseptics, bandages, headache powders, etc. and put all this in my bag. Actually I keep it in my car just in case.

Only plan on bugging out as a last resort. Your home or apartment is the most secure place as you have everything you need to survive if you have stocked up on freeze dried food, canned food that is not condensed so you can eat it right out of the can, water and a good gas cooking stove or camping stove that uses denatured alcohol or hexamine tablets (solid fuel). The Solo Stove is a good choice if you can afford it but I bought an Esbit camping stove outfit with a pot and bowl from Walmart. There are portable gas stoves that use propane gas that you can also buy.

Everything is based on what type of emergency it is. If it is your crazy, unprepared neighbors going nuts you should be able to hold them off with a Mossberg Tactical Shotgun and 00 buck with a full or XX choke. If it is the government martial law that is a different story as we sincerely suspect that they will be shutting off all the utilities including the internet, so you need to think about all of that as well. With no power your refrigerator and freezer will eventually warm up so eat that food first.

If you can afford a small generator to keep the food cold for a little while longer (Don’t forget to vent the exhaust outside)that would be good but in a severe emergency your ability to get fuel will probably be limited and lights on when no one else has power will bring the Zombies to your door, so be careful.

Americans are so use to living the comfortable life that we are basically unprepared both mentally and physically for survival. So start thinking about your weak areas and begin working on them.

I hope this helps. Wish I could write to tell you more but it is an extensive subject. Good luck to you.

Wear a military family, so we move every couple years. Weight of household goods can be an issue for some families. Do you have a “light-weight” survival list for people that must move frequently? Canned goods and/or home canning food can be heavy. I am currently working on putting together my medical emergency kit and keeping it the size of a large tackle box. (Not including my EOs.) 🙂

Tell them to go bug off. Who do they think they are to tell you how you may or may no protect yourself. My wife didn’t know if she would like guns until I taught her how to shoot. Sorry I did. She was the best shot on or rifle team. Damn proud of her.

I visit your site almost daily. Your topics and suggestions are spot on and super helpful! I became more prepared after the 2012 derechio knocked out power for us for 10 days. I grew up on a farm and raised with grandparents who survived the depression. Stocking extra food and finding ways to repurpose items has always been completely norman to me. With your helpful blog I am now even more prepared! Thank you!

My question is this: is a vacuum sealing system a good substitute for oxygen absorbers in food storage? I am asking this because I have been vacuum sealing some single batch packages of beans as well as bags of coffee beans, and I would like them to last for a while.

Hello, Gaye. Liked reading all these comments; so many good questions! My family and I have health issues, are on several prescriptions, and have sensitivity issues. How to I get and store medicines for someone who can’t take normal medicines, like benadryl or antibiotics? Many posts I have seen on other sites suggest fish antibiotics as a long term storage idea, but that’s not much help for someone who can’t use them at all. How do I go about finding ways to get enough for them to take?

I need help with more “outside of the box” thinking. We’ve recently moved 1000 miles to a new climate, altitude, growing zone, etc. Many of the preps that worked for us in the old place will not work for us here. Our well is 400′ deep so water is an issue with no electricity. Heat is from wood burning insert so that eliminates cooking on top of the wood burning stove. ETC!!

My question…. When you’re feeling like your mid-way (of your personal goals/expectations), how do you decide what comes next? You have food, you have water, you have a heating source, lighting, a couple methods to cook that food you’ve stored…., etc., You’re calmly, but not overly excitedly about “all” you’ve done….. but, what next? How do you move forward? Thank you!! So. Much!

I love your site, and the life straw bottle is awesome, and that brings me to my question. After Katrina, their was oil based contamination with the ground water, in many parts of the nation, furtilizer run off, or farming waste is a concern to ground water, and my last thought on this subject, heavy metals like lead are now a problem in many water systems, what are some ways we can prep for these water issues? I would really enjoy your thoughts on home made filters, or long term filters, post collapse, or grid down options.
Thanks again for your great site, I look forward to reading your thoughts, in the near future.

Gaye thanks for all that you do. I always read each of your articles. While I am fortunate enough to be ahead on a couple of things there are so many more that you are ahead of me. I look forward to your level headed approach to all of those things so that I can start moving in the right direction. Thanks Again!

Can you talk about what proportion of the items you discuss actually make it into your own preps and into your own daily use once you’ve finished reviewing them. Beyond that I’d like to hear how you handle ideas about rotating perishables to avoid waste in the long term – For example, I have a hard time with the idea that people are buying food that they store for years at a time and then after a decade tossing it out since it didn’t get used 🙁

Which food storage companies do you find have the best quality at a fair price? It seems they all use different weights, so comparing requires LOTS of time, and serving sizes are beyond inconsistent. Thanks for the great giveaways and sharing your knowledge!

Great idea for life straw to make their filter available in a bottle. I tried to start reading one year after but couldn’t get that far into it. The audio book is a great idea, then I could listen while I work. I’m in the final stages of preparing my first book for audio sales. Thanks for sharing Gaye, you are always an inspiration!

I know I need to have our family better prepared for emergencies, and this LifeStraw sounds like a darned good idea! Now I need to find some gluten-free dairy-free food packs! Water, food, and things to keep us warm if the grid gets attacked. What a world we live in!

Haven’t had time yet to read all the questions above me, but here’s mine (hope it hasn’t already been asked):
If you hardly ever take EOs internally, why should you be concerned about getting the best quality/food grade oils?

Yes. I have a room with my water heater in it and shelves on the wall and above on the wall over the outside door. I keep them for a long time but I also refresh them by using some and then replenishing it with new stock. I get to use the product, keep it fresh and have an emergency supply on hand.

Just let me give you one tip that I discovered while making soup. If you use condensed soup then you must use your water so I decided to use canned soup that you can eat right out of the can and you don’t have to heat it.

I would like information about growing indoors. We have aerogardens but that doesn’t really grow enough food. If you live in a small urban area, I think hungry people would take whatever you grow outdoors even with a front or back yard garden.

I can’t find it now but I am quite sure that I saw links for these books that go to Amazon. I think that Backdoor Survival gets some money if you click their link but if you cannot find it then go straight to Amazon and type in survival books. Make sure you get the paperback. No batteries to die if you are on the run.

Also I purchased these books and can tell you that they aren’t that good. Be Expert with Map and Compass and SAS Survival Handbook. Let me give you some advice. Go to YouTube and type in survival or how to use a compass and you will find a mired of videos on the subject from private experts to military. They are quite good and downloadable.

You are NOT alone in this one. The problem is self promoting on top of things. You want to get that tribe of people together but it’s hard (and can be scary) to talk about all you have done. You never know how the other person will really take it or where their line of “extreme” is drawn. An example is learning the person you are talking to has an underground bunker. To some, this would be extreme and make you uncomfortable. You may decide not to bring the person into your tribe but now there is a loose cannon out there that knows some of your preps and plans. Many will tout the whole OPSEC thing but no man is an island. Good question!

I have the same problem. I have friends I really car for but they live in ‘I don’t care” land. I made it quite clear that we are friends for now but when the SHTF and they have no emergency survival supplies not to come knocking on my door. My supplies are for me and they had their chance to stock up and survive. They also refuse to own firearms so I don’t know what they will do if there is a disaster.

Solo Stove is nice and perhaps efficient however to expensive for me just now. I just purchased the Esbit Alcohol Stove & Trekking Cookset from Walmart. For now it will fill my needs at home or when bugging out. You need to buy your own denatured alcohol and or a solid fuel base.

Do you mean with an electrical failure? If the furnace is in the basement all you have to do is put in an electric or manual by-pass valve around the pumps. The water will flow up the pipe and circulate back down to the furnace by natural convection. The only thing that I see is that the furnace blower and oil pump operate on electricity.

This is how a dual fuel furnace works. You can stoke the furnace with wood or coal when the power is out and open the valves for whole house heat. You should look into this kind of furnace.

Yes. I have a room with my water heater in it and shelves on the wall and above on the wall over the outside door. I keep them for a long time but I also refresh them by using some and then replenishing it with new stock. I get to use the product, keep it fresh and have an emergency supply on hand.

Just let me give you one tip that I discovered while making soup. If you use condensed soup then you must use your water so I decided to use canned soup that you can eat right out of the can and you don’t have to heat it.

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MEET GAYE

I'm Gaye, just an ordinary gal trying to make sense of our changing world. I am addicted to prepping, DIY projects, adult coloring books, and ballroom dancing. I live what I call a strategic life and believe you should too. Everyone needs to prepare for the worst and live for the best. Won't you join me?

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